Unique architecture, technologies and design
The AGV is based on an articulated architecture, the same principle which gave a major technological advantage to the TGV. This architecture involves positioning the bogies (axles and wheels) between the carriages of a train, contrary to their traditional positioning under the carriages. This technology eliminates most of the vibrations and noise caused inside the carriages by the train running on the tracks, as well as damping any movement between the carriages. Above all, this architecture provides a tremendous safety advantage: the fact that the carriages are tightly meshed together renders the train as a whole more rigid. Thus in case of a derailment, it does not deform (unlike a non-articulated train which will have a tendency to fold up “like an accordion”); the AGV will remain upright and in one piece.
The main innovation retained for the AGV involves combining this articulation technology with a distributed drive system. This is achieved by locating the train’s motors under the floor of the carriages rather than concentrating them in dedicated locomotives at the front and back of the train. The removal of the locomotives increases the capacity of the train. For an equal train length, AGV trains have 20% more space than traditional trains, and this additional space can be adapted to suit an operator’s requirements: either to increase the number of seats on the train, or to host special facilities such as lounges, leisure areas or working areas.
Another innovation found in the AGV is the use of synchronous permanent magnet motors to provide electro-dynamic traction and braking. When fitted with six drive bogies in its 11 car configuration (360 kph), the AGV generates massive, unparalleled power of 22.6 kW/ton, 23% higher than its main competitor.
The use of permanent magnet motors provides several advantages:
• An excellent power/weight ratio (greater than 1 kW/kg versus 0.8 kW/kg for previous generations of motors) and greater compactness for more convenient installation on the bogies;
• Simpler ventilation circuits making maintenance easier and providing greater reliability;
• Lower energy consumption, thanks to an efficiency ratio which is greater than that of an asynchronous electric motor and thanks to a highly simplified drive train.